Issued by: Ministry of Justice
1 October 1997
The attention of Minister Dullah Omar has been drawn to allegations of racial bias against black prosecutors and magistrates at the Randburg Magistrates Court. The allegations follow the arrest of a black female magistrate on fraud and corruption charges.
Minister Omar wishes to make it absolutely clear that action will be taken against all those involved in corruption, irrespective of colour, race or creed. The Minister is not able to make a judgment on the allegations of corruption against the magistrate concerned. This will be for the court to decide.
At the same time, Minister Omar wishes to make it clear that racism and racial bias anywhere in the justice system or in the courts cannot be tolerated. A report will be made to the Magistrates Commission in this regard. At the same time the Department will conduct its own investigations without in any way interfering with the judicial functions of magistrates.
ISSUED BY PAUL SETSETSE ON BEHALF OF DR A M OMAR MP, MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Tel: 021-457507 Cel: 083 2524770